Artificial Turf Pros and Cons in Phoenix: What We Decided

Renovating our backyard has been an adventure—and a bit of a challenge. We live in the low desert of Phoenix, Arizona and have young children, so I want a yard that’s not just beautiful but functional and safe. I love the look and functionality of a grass lawn, but am not thrilled about the maintenance. This dilemma led me to research more about artificial turf pros and cons.

Both options have their perks and pitfalls. Let’s dive into the artificial turf pros and cons and see how it stacks up against natural grass for a busy homeschooling family like ours.

Artificial Turf Pros and Cons: The Breakdown

Pros of Artificial Turf in Phoenix

1. Low Maintenance: Unlike natural grass, artificial turf doesn’t need mowing, watering, or fertilizing. For a household like ours, where time is always stretched thin, this is a huge win. Once installed, it stays green and lush with minimal effort.
2. Water Conservation: Artificial turf eliminates the need for regular watering, which is a big plus and a money saver on our water bill.
3. Durability: My kids love to run, jump, and play—barefoot, of course. Artificial turf holds up well to heavy foot traffic, so it’s perfect for our energetic little ones.
4. No Allergies: Clover and grass can sometimes trigger allergies. With artificial turf, those worries disappear, making outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone.

Cons of Artificial Turf in Phoenix

1. Upfront Cost: The installation cost for artificial turf can be hefty, averaging $10-$20 per square foot. For our mid-sized yard, that’s a big investment. (We plan on installing it ourselves, though. I will be sure to write a blog post about that.)
2. Heat Retention: Artificial turf gets hot—really hot—especially in Phoenix summers. Even with evening shade, it can be uncomfortable for bare feet during the day.
3. Environmental Impact: While it saves water once installed, artificial turf isn’t biodegradable. Plus, manufacturing and disposing of it can contribute to pollution and carbon emissions.
4. Longevity and Repairs: While it most new products should last for 10-20 years, sections can wear out or get damaged.

Natural Grass and Clover: Pros and Cons

Pros of Natural Grass and Clover

1. Cooling Effect: Grass naturally cools the air around it. Combined with our evening shade, a grass lawn would create a refreshing oasis for summer evenings.
2. Softness: There’s nothing like the feel of soft grass underfoot. Clover adds to that softness while being more drought-resistant than regular sod.
3. Environmental Benefits: Grass and clover absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and provide a habitat for insects like pollinators. Clover, in particular, fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for fertilizers.

Cons of Natural Grass and Clover

1. High Maintenance: Grass and clover require mowing, watering, and occasional fertilizing. For our busy household, that’s a significant time commitment. (Also, seed isn’t cheap!)
2. Water Usage: Installing a sprinkler system and maintaining a lush lawn in Phoenix can drastically increase water usage, raising environmental and financial concerns.
3. Seasonal Challenges: Grass can go dormant in extreme heat or cold, leaving the yard looking less vibrant during certain times of the year.

Price Comparison

Artificial Turf: While the upfront cost of artificial turf is higher ($10-$20 per square foot), maintenance expenses are almost nonexistent. Over 10 years, the initial cost can even out compared to maintaining grass.

Natural Grass and Clover: Installing sod and a sprinkler system costs $2-$4 per square foot, but you’ll also have ongoing expenses for water, fertilizer, and lawn care equipment. These add up significantly over time.

The Final Verdict

After weighing the artificial turf pros and cons and considering our family’s needs, we’ve decided to move forward with artificial turf for our backyard. We’ve never had sod or turf before, so we haven’t experienced the pros and cons firsthand. But based on everything we’ve read and heard, artificial turf seems more suitable for our busy family—for now, at least.

We’re hopeful that our east-facing yard, with its lovely evening shade, will help keep the turf from getting unbearably hot. We are also looking into cooling infill and turf options. The reduced maintenance, water savings, and durability make it the best option for our family’s lifestyle at this moment. Plus, knowing that it will stay green and lush year-round is a big bonus.

Choosing artificial turf for our Phoenix backyard is a step toward creating a space where our kids can run and play barefoot, and we can all enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor area without the constant upkeep of natural grass.

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